The Opel Astra VXR is set to return again in 2010 with an all-new body and updated powertrain. Based on the next-generation Astra hatchback due to be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show next March, the new VXR will feature a racier look thanks to more aggressive bumpers and wheels plus an uprated suspension system and sports interior.

By the time it arrives, the new Astra VXR will have to contend with Ford’s upcoming Focus ST and flagship RS as well as the new Mark VI Golf and next-generation GTI. To give it a fighting change, designers will add 19in alloy wheels, a roof spoiler and an up-market interior with sports bucket seats, leather trim and aluminum racing pedals.

Replacing the current model’s 237hp 2.0L turbocharged engine will be a new 1.8L unit with a higher 240hp output. The decision to downsize the engine was made in light of tougher fuel-economy and emissions regulations but performance should better the current model (pictured) with the 0-62mph sprint falling in less than six seconds and top speed reaching close to 150mph.

According to AutoExpress, a diesel VXR could also be offered using a 2.0-litre CDTI engine with around 170hp.

The new Astra will also be sold in North America as a Saturn and given the increase in popularity of small cars there’s a strong change more variants of the new model, including the performance VXR, could be heading Stateside in late 2010.

A blurred image in a photo... these are the first official glimpses allowed by Vauxhall of the new Astra. And the teaser shots give enough clues to confirm the hatch looks like becoming the second Griffin with wings!

It will take styling inspiration from the recently launched Insignia – so the ‘blade’ and ‘wing’ themes found on that car will feature prominently, as owner GM seeks to take the fourth-generation model upmarket.

The British-built Astra has proved popular throughout its near-30-year history, due to its mix of space, affordability and reliability. But it has never been regarded as a market leader. So, GM is pulling out all the stops to ensure that changes. Vauxhall engineers have spent most of their development time and budget in the cabin, giving the new car impressive technology to match the modern looks.

Described as ‘a warm, wraparound interior’, it should cosset driver and passenger with the ‘wing line’ sweeping dash found in the Insignia.

GM Europe’s Vice President of Design, Mark Adams, also claims the new model will offer more “technical substance and emotional styling” than the current car. A Front Camera System, which incorporates lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition, is taken from the Insignia. So is Adaptive Front Lighting, which can read the driving conditions and improve visibility accordingly.

As these teaser sketches show, Vauxhall has followed the VW Golf by evolving the current Astra’s styling, rather than coming up with a radically different look. Our spies have already spotted a number of test mules, and can confirm the existing Astra’s silhouette will remain largely intact, although the details will contain more than a hint of Insignia.

In addition, the distinction in the current range between the sleeker, sportier three-door and the more family oriented five-door models will continue.

Production starts next year at the firm’s Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire, and the Astra is sure to wow onlookers when it debuts at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

SpeedyRS je napisal/-a:Pomojem bo zelo lepa. Bilokaj da naredijo bo lepše od Golfa 6.

tomzzi je napisal/-a:Motijo me (zaenkrat) le te dolge reže ob sredinski konzoli. Me spominjajo na kakšnega korejca (I30)...

Tattoo- je napisal/-a:...kot bi sedel v Space Shuttlu!

by Courtesy of NASA: INSIDE THE SHUTTLE SIM
The pilot sits on the right, controlling the shuttle with a hypersensitive joystick (1). A heads-up display (2) and attitude (3), compass (4), and trajectory (5) screens help with course corrections. After landing, the pilot deploys the drag parachute (6). Photo by Courtesy of NASA